Keeping the eye on the money (and not a points system no one understands)
Webb Simpson missed a short putt to lose in a playoff against Ben Crane on Sunday at The McGladrey Classic, but he did earn a nice consolation prize — $432,000 for his second-place finish to overtake Luke Donald as No. 1 on the PGA Tour money list by $363,029.
Donald is trying to become the first player to win the Money Title on both the PGA Tour and the European Tour, but Simpson has made it much more difficult for him. Last Friday Donald announced his last-minute entry into this week’s Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic at Disney in response to Simpson’s challenge.
“Finishing second is going to make it a lot harder for Luke,” said Simpson in his presser Sunday. “But I’m sure he’s going to play well. He’s played well most every week this year. I still wouldn’t be surprised if I have a little work to do next week.”
Only once since 1990 has the leader of the money list been overtaken in the final official week of the season. In 1996 Tom Lehman entered the week with $1,240,159 and won The Tour Championship to collect $540,000 for a season total of $1,780,159, passing Phil Mickelson who had entered the week of Tour Championship with $1,620,99 and finished 12th to make $76,800 for a season total of $1,697,799.
From what I understand, Donald has to finish no worse than tied for second to retake the lead. Of course, he needs a little help from Simpson, too.
“I’m sure (Luke’s) rested and ready,” said Webb. “It would be nice to run away with it, but it wouldn’t surprise me if it’s going to be pretty close. Winning would take care of a lot, I think.”
I wish the gap between Luke and Webb were a little closer than $363,029, but Luke is the No. 1 ranked player in the world for a reason — he’s the most consistent. Then again, Webb has been the hottest player on Tour in the last few months. Hey, at least this gives us something to talk about in this week’s fourth and final Fall Series event of the year.
(AP Photo/Stephen Morton)
On the tee of the first playoff hole Simpson and Crane joked with each other. Anyone know what they said?
I think he put Crane on the clock for slow play…
They were joking about whose side Jesus was on.
… or else who could step away from the ball the most times before hitting it. Honestly, Web – that was a 3-foot putt and you treated it like a 12-footer! Just hit the damn thing in the whole, like you’ve hit 10,000 other 3-foot putts – Sheesh. And then to go and miss it – even with the ol’ belly putter – which supposedly guarantees you being able to launch the putt on your intended line. Oye! No one’s saying it but Web just choked on that one – there wasn’t much in that putt so I don’t see how he could have misread it.
@Fins Webb backs away from every 3-footer, but hey congrats Webb, glad you enjoyed finishing 2nd (ok yeah I want Luke to win the money title)
Good answers, MO and Fins!
Reach out and touch faith
Your own personal Jesus
Someone to hear your prayer
Someone who’s there
Webb was in the best position to win the FedEx Cup and 10M going in the tour championship but it fell through.
Now he has the chance to win the money title, would this week end as a redemption or a double dissapointment?
Donald’s got to bring it this week. He must finsh 3rd alone or better to even have a chance. Would be really cool if they both were in the final group on Sunday.